Jason Sparks has an old soul. His musical attractions have never been of the current tunes on the radio but of those of his parents’, grandparents’, and even great-grandparents’ time. He dawns the stage with an older, masculine presence that most would not expect from a 29-year-old. With Barry White in his heart and a microphone in his hand, Sparks exudes a heartfelt blast from the past.

“We gon’ party tonight, y’all,” Sparks said, hyping up the crowd at a recent performance. “Y’all ready to party?”

Sparks grew up listening to gospel greats with his dad, and Johnny Taylor, BB King, and the O’Jays with his mom. It molded his perspective on musical instruments and the idea that music should make you feel good. His musical direction leads to the heart, melodies that feel like a big comforting hug.

“My mom instilled that R&B side of me,” said Sparks. “I love some Patty Labelle, The Isley Brothers, Temptations, and a little Earth, Wind and Fire. “Gospel music is what I grew up on. It’s my first love. The Mississippi Mass Choir, The Canton Spirituals, The Williams Brothers, and Willie Banks and the Messengers.”

Sparks, born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, jumped into the Jackson music scene about a year ago, performing at various locations. He is also a member of the gospel quartet George Bean and the Gospel Four. The traveling four are expecting to release an album soon titled Let’s Get Serious.

“My main focus is music right now,” said Sparks. “It keeps me busy.”

Sparks credits his father’s side of the family for his musical talents. His father is also in a gospel quartet, Blest by Four. He uses his father’s last name as his stage name–Jason Smith. Various members of his paternal family sing and play instruments, including the bass guitar, drums, and keyboard.

Sparks has been singing in a group since he was 9 years old. He can remember playing around the house with his cousins, singing, and performing for his family. Eventually, their parents took them on the road and let them perform at various churches in Tuscaloosa. They kept the momentum for about four years as a young group called The Chosen Ones. Their desire started to fizzle as they grew into adolescents.

“I just started singing in school and running after girls,” Sparks said with a smile.

Still, the music remained prominent. Like Sparks’ upcoming album, Let’s Get Serious, Sparks is ready to give music his full attention. His focal point is a life lived on stage.

“I don’t know about the best, but I do MY best,” Sparks said.